There are many pests that can invade your house, make your life miserable, and give you nightmares, but there is one that can cause damages significant enough to decrease not only the value but also the stability of your house. We are talking termites here. Those annoying, wood-eating invaders that ruin a house pillar in no time must be dealt with, but how do you even know if you are infested with termites?
Using thermal imaging cameras that inspect activity within walls or ceilings, and without taking anything apart, a strata report can show you exactly where your invaders are located. This tactic helps you find a nest in no time. From the location and size of the nest, the specialist can help you select a pest control solution.
If you do not have such tool at your disposition, your observations will help you find out whether or not termites have moved in. The most obvious sign of termite invasion is the presence of a swarm. This is when a group of termites, both males and females, some with wings, leave the colony to find and establish a new home. This generally happens in the spring months and sometimes in the fall. If you find ‘swarmers’ outside of your house, it is an indication that termites are close by, but not necessarily inside your house. On the flip side, if a swarm is found inside of your house, it is a clear indication that you are dealing with a termite infestation. Sometimes, you do not observe the swarm directly but see the left-over wings. Do not dismiss this sign of infestation either
Termites are talented tiny architects that build mud tunnels that link their house or sleeping quarters to their food source. This mud-like substance that creates the outer walls of the tunnels is made from faeces, dirt, and saliva. If you did not already have a good reason to get rid of termites, this should convince you. Termites rebuild their tunnels if they have been broken. Abandoned tunnels are dried and crumbly. Each tunnel has its purpose: working tube, exploratory or migratory tubes, and exploratory tubes.
Inside the house, you may hear termite noise, a sort of scratching on the walls as the termites are excavating through the wood. Their incessant work might also leave behind some piles of saw dust, a clear indication that you have termite activity nearby. Do not forget that carpenter ants also leave piles of dust behind, but they do not burrow tunnels into the wood the same way termites do.
Aside from catching them in the act, you might discover that your house is infested by termites because of the droppings they leave behind. If you come across enough of it, you will need the services of an expert to dispose of it safely.
Finally, a tell-tale sign is when the floor in your house is sagging so much when you step on it, that it cannot be safely repaired and must be replaced.
